Fast, fresh flax meal

I try to use flax meal often at our house. I like to put it in fruit smoothies, muffins or baked goods. I have even been know to just add to water and chug.

Hey, us Mamas are busy! We've got to stay healthy on the go!

If you don't know why it's good to include flax meal in your diet and would like to, here's a link to get your started.



Okay, now for the good stuff. The How-To!

It's easy to make your own flax meal. First, buy flax seeds, usually in bulk. I like the golden flax seeds, then I use my little coffee grinder to grind them.

Here you can see the ground meal.

I transfer the flax meal into a quart mason jar.

By the way, if you don't have a funnel like this...GET ONE! I love it.

This jar lives in the refrigerator. Once you grind the flax seeds into meal, they need to be refrigerated to keep them from going rancid. This is because the oils have been exposed, this also means your body can use the oils in the flax seeds now.

Here is flax meal safely home...in the refrigerator next to the mustard.

Here it is going in a fruit smoothie.

Simple!

For other kitchen tips go to Tammy's Recipes.

Getting EFAs into toddlers

You may think this is a soft gel capsule, but my 3 year old daughter would tell you you're wrong. It's what she calls a "chewy pill". She loves her chewy pills and asks for them often.

How did I arrive at this willing acceptance of essential fatty acids and why should our kids take them anyway?

I started by giving my two and a half year old daughter Nordic Naturals Strawberry flavored DHA gel caps. I told her they were her vitamins, she would put them in her mouth and next you could hear a little 'POP' and she would procede to chew it like gum for a minute then swallow it and ask for more. I was glad that she liked them, but they are a little expensive, so I didn't buy anymore.

In the meantime, she saw her big brothers taking their pills and would ask for her vitamins. One day I decided to just give her one of the evening primrose oil gel caps I was giving the boys. Without hesitating she put it into her mouth, and 'POPPED' it ....no problem. She LOVES them. Even though there is no strawberry flavor. She is always asking for her chewy pills.

I give her borage oil, vit e, and evening primrose oil, plus we give the kids a spoonful of lemon flavored Carlson cod liver oil each day and she is happy to be included. We just told the boys to act like they LOVE it for her benefit, so now she stands in line with the boys and has hers too. (Mama and Papa have some too).

I give the kids their pills in these little stainless steel cups. That way they don't roll all over the table. I just set them by their water glass with their meal.

This Works for Me.

Nalgene Bottles Pulled From Shelves

Did you hear that Nalgene bottles are being removed from shelves because of the hormone-mimicking chemical bisphenol A (BPA) used in them? Full details can be found in this article by Dr. Mercola.

This news is upsetting to me. I thought I was being safe by using the #7 bottles and containers. Seems that going back to the basics of glass and stainless steele is the safest route.

Dr. Mercola offers 10 tips to reduce your exposure to BPA.

1. Only use glass baby bottles and dishes for your baby

2. Give your baby natural fabric toys instead of plastic ones

3. Store your food and beverages in glass, NOT plastic containers.

4. IF you choose to use a microwave, don’t microwave food in a plastic container

5. Stop buying and consuming canned foods and drinks

6. Avoid using plastic wrap (and never microwave anything covered in it)

7. Get rid of your plastic dishes and cups, and replace them with glass varieties

8. If you opt to use plastic kitchenware, at least get rid of the older, scratched-up varieties, avoid putting them in the dishwasher, and don’t wash them with harsh detergents, as these things can cause more chemicals to leach into your food

9. Avoid using bottled water; filter your own using a reverse osmosis filter instead

10. Before allowing a dental sealant to be applied to you, or your children’s, teeth, ask your dentist to verify that it does not contain BPA

In the event that you do opt to use plastic containers for your food, be sure to avoid those marked on the bottom with the recycling label No. 7, as these varieties may contain BPA. Containers marked with the recycling labels No. 1, No. 2, and No. 4 do not contain BPA (however they may contain other unsavory chemicals that you’re best off avoiding by using glass instead).

So what are some good alternatives? Although somewhat spendy, Klean Kanteen and Sigg reusable water bottles offer a good solution.

Birth control pills cause early abortions

Did you know that the birth control pill is an abortifacient? Read more about the The Abortifacient Effect of the Birth Control Pill.

While we are talking about birth control, you might be interested in reading Doug Phillips' post entitled The Most Dangerous Woman of the 20th Century.

More uses for Cayenne

The following is from the book Left for Dead by Dick Quinn. (Dad, see leg cramps section)
After reading his book, if I was going to buy cayenne, or definitely if I had a heart problem, I would buy his cayenne. His Power Caps sound great! You can read about it here.

Cayenne was used medicinally in ancient Egypt and is found in some of the oldest tomb art. It didn't get to Europe until 1493, when Columbus returned from his first voyage to the New World. He discovered it along the Cayenne River on the largest of the Cayenne Islands off the north coast of South America. The island was later to be home for the French penal colony called Devil's Island.

Cayenne was found to have remarkable healing and disinfecting powers by the ship's doctor while still on the voyage. Crewman on wooden ships get many slivers, which often become infected. Cayenne killed infections and stopped even the most profuse bleeding instantly. It was also effective against scurvy, because of it's vitamin C.

Modern researchers have confirmed many of cayenne's medicinal powers. Dermatologists at the University of California, Davis, have discovered it causes surgical wounds to heal faster than antibiotics.


How I avoid leg cramps

Circulation is the key to avoiding leg cramps and cayenne is the key to circulation. Prickly Ash, Cinchona (also called Peruvian Bark) and Gingko Biloba stimulate circulation in the legs.


How I lower cholesterol and clean my arteries

I take cayenne, garlic, onion and ginger to keep the walls of my arteries clean and help my body rid itself of cholesterol. Cayenne causes my liver to produce less cholesterol. The combination of Ginger, Garlic and Onion has been shown in controlled studies to lower cholesterol as effeciently as drugs, with no liver damage or other side effects. Side effects of cholesterol-lowering drugs can be far more serious than high cholesterol.


How I regulate my blood pressure

The most recommended herbal combination to lower blood pressure is cayenne and Garlic. Valerian is also said to lower blood pressure. I take all three every day because I have a history of high blood pressure.


How I avoid a heart attack

I take Cayenne and Garlic first thing in the morning to make a heart attach less likely. Most heart attacks occur in the morning, when the arteries are constricted because of stress, caffein and other factors. Cayenne and Garlic open the arteries, stimulate the heart and dissolve blood clots that cause 95% of all heart attacks.


How I would stop a heart attack in progress

Dr. John Christopher showed a heart attack can be stopped by putting Cayenne tea under the tongue or having the patient drink it. Just stir up some Cayenne and warm water.

How to make a Garlic poultice

Poultice: A soft moist mass, often heated and medicated, that is spread on cloth over the skin to treat an aching, inflamed, or painful part of the body.

Break off two or three large cloves and lay them on your counter. Start some water heating on the stove, and then lay out a clean washcloth or double thick paper towels. Smack the garlic cloves with the bottom of a heavy glass to lightly bruise or crush them. Now the papery skin will come off easily. Take the bruised cloves and dice them up, or smash them in a garlic press so that the juice and the smell billows out to make you hungry for lasagna. Lay the 2-3 Tablespoons of minced garlic in the center of your washcloth or paper towels and fold in the edges of the cloth, creating what I call a “poultice” or “plaster”. Lay this garlic pad in a bowl or plate and pour the warm/hot (but not boiling) water over it. (If your water is too hot, it may kill some of the powerful healing properties in the garlic. You should be able to keep your fingers in the water without scalding yourself.) Let it sit for 5 seconds or so, and then fish it out and squeeze the excess water out with your hands. Place the warm (not hot!) poultice on the chest, the back, and the soles of the feet (alternately) for about 60 seconds each for viruses, colds, flu, infections, etc.

Garlic poultices can also be used for earache – holding the poultice against the infected ear. For flesh wound infections, hold against the wound lightly. Eye infections, hold over closed eye.

Garlic poultice applied to baby’s chest and feet. Leave no longer than 60 seconds to prevent irritation.



Testimony

It works for pain, inflammation, bites, sores ect.. The semi liquid is just the herb you are using mixed with liquid. You can mix an herb with aloe, water, tincture, tea or an extract creating the semi liquid and then put it on the skin. You use a cloth to hold it on. I usually recommend garlic tea for people that are sick but if the person is too sick or it is a fussy child it might be easier to make a garlic poultice and apply it to the feet. The feet are very absorbent and it will get into the body amazingly quick.

Cinnamon

The following is a post I read from Rebekah (Pearl) Anast on the website Well Tell Me on the health benefits of cinnamon. I thought it was very interesting!

She wrote:

Recently I had an upper jaw infection that quickly spread to inflame the whole side of my face, including my left eye. I tried garlic poultices and had some success, but continued to battle the infection. These types of oral infections can be life threatening, and I was seriously considering antibiotics for the first time in nearly a decade. But first I decided to try one more herb... I put a Cinnamon Cassia stick in my mouth, crunched it up, and kept the hot bark against my gums and palate until it lost it’s heat. Then I either swallowed or spit out the used bark. I repeated this treatment all day, even sleeping with a wad of “cud” in my mouth overnight. The heat of the cinnamon burned the skin on the side of my tongue, but the infection began to subside. A few drops of cinnamon oil folded on the INSIDE of a damp washcloth, held to my face began to heal the skin that had broken out with the infection, stimulating blood flow. The next week a friend commented that I was “practically glowing” and my complexion was “so rosy.” Hopefully I didn’t overdo it! I was truly impressed with the health benefits of Cinnamon. Although I remain faithful to garlic, I may first try cinnamon the next time I need to kick an infection: The scent is so much nicer!

While researching this herb, I “met” a girl who lives in Indonesia where 60-80% of the world’s Cinnamon is harvested. She has documented the Cinnamon harvesting process with beautiful photography and informational comments, and uploaded her collection for us to enjoy. To visit Le Minah’s Cinnamon album online, click here: http://flickr.com/photos/johari/sets/72157594380819034/

Medicinal Action and Uses: Carminative, astringent, topical stimulant, aphrodisiac, anti-fungal, antibacterial, diuretic, digestive stimulant, antiseptic.

• Fights tooth decay: The antibacterial properties of Cinnamon kill the harmful bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum disease. It also combats oral fungal/yeast problems, and is great for fighting halitosis (bad breath.) Cinnamon oil is commonly used in chewing gums for this very reason. My kids enjoy chewing/sucking on cinnamon sticks, and so do I.

• Soothes upset stomach: Like many culinary spices, Cinnamon helps calm the stomach. The stimulating properties of Cinnamon increase circulation and healing in the GI tract, help to get the gastric juices flowing, and kill foreign bacteria. A Japanese study revealed that this spice may also help prevent ulcers. To brew a stomach-soothing tea, use ½ to ¾ teaspoon of powdered Cinnamon per cup of boiling water. Steep for 10 to 20 minutes. Drink up to three cups day. I simply add cinnamon powder to our oatmeal in the morning - it tastes great!

• Clears up urinary-tract infections: One German study showed that Cinnamon "suppresses completely" the cause of most urinary-tract infections (Escherichia coli bacteria) and the fungus responsible for vaginal yeast infections (Candida albicans). The tea recipe above can be used to combat urinary and vaginal yeast infections. Sweeten with honey and pour over ice to drink the tea all day long if you are fighting a bacterial or fungal infection.

• Allows diabetics to use less insulin: Some studies have shown that Cinnamon helps people with type II diabetes metabolize sugar better. In adult-onset diabetes, the pancreas produces insulin, but the body can't use it efficiently to break down sugar. Researchers discovered that Cinnamon reduces the amount of insulin necessary for glucose (sugar) metabolism. "One-eighth of a teaspoon of cinnamon triples insulin efficiency," says James A. Duke, Ph.D., a botanist retired from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and author of The CRC Handbook of Medicinal Herbs. Taking ½ to ¾ teaspoon of ground Cinnamon with each meal may help control blood sugar levels.

• Other Benefits: Chinese herbalists tell of older people, in their 70s and 80s, developing a phlegmy cough. A helpful remedy, they suggest, is chewing and swallowing a very small pinch of powdered cinnamon every day. This remedy can also help people with cold feet and hands, probably because of improved peripheral circulation. It is also said to relieve nausea and vomiting, and, because of its mild astringency, is said to be particularly useful in infantile diarrhea. Topical applications of Cinnamon include use as a hair rinse for healthy scalp (may also stain hair cinnamon color), and as a toothpaste flavoring to freshen breath. As a wash (tea), it is said to prevent and cure fungal infections such as athletes foot. It is also used in massage oils because of the scent, and because it stimulates local circulation. Its prolonged internal use is known to beautify the skin and promote a rosy complexion. NOTE: If applied topically to your face, it can cause burning. If this occurs, immediately wash your skin with soap and water.

Warnings: The amounts of Cinnamon normally used in food are non-toxic, although some people experience allergic reactions after eating this spice. Cinnamon oil is a different story. Applied to the skin, it may cause redness and burning. Taken internally, the pure oil can cause nausea, vomiting and possibly even kidney damage. Never ingest pure Cinnamon oil.

How to Use Cinnamon: For people with diabetes, 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon per meal may help control blood sugar levels.

To brew a stomach-soothing tea, use 1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon of powdered herb per cup of boiling water. Steep 10 to 20 minutes. Drink up to three cups a day. To fight tooth decay and promote healthy gums and teeth, simply chew a small cinnamon stick occasionally, or add cinnamon to your oatmeal in the morning.

Cinnamon Toast Recipe

Slice bread and butter. Arrange slices on a cookie sheet. Sprinkle all the bread slices liberally with Cinnamon powder. Drizzle with honey, or sprinkle with raw cane sugar. Place in broiler on high for about 5 minutes. Keep an eye on the process to make sure your toast does not burn. When toasted golden brown, remove from oven and serve with cold milk. Great for an immune boosting breakfast or snack!

Cod Liver Oil: The Number One Superfood

I know.

It sounds very distasteful.

Okay, it sounds downright nasty.

But we have included this into our lives in the last few years. And believe it or not, it's not that bad. Really! We aren't always regular with it but overall it has become a habit. The boys are really good at taking it. (I didn't say they like it, but they do take it, without throwing up or gagging.)

I find it works best when given right before they eat something, so I come to the table armed with the green Carlson bottle and a spoon. They can't take a bite of food until they've had their spoonful. It's not bad...really!! It doesn't taste fishy at all, it has a lemon flavor. The worst part is just the feeling of swallowing a spoonful of oil.

I take it more than the boys. I find it really helps with sugar cravings. If I can make myself think remember, I try to take it with breakfast (preferably eggs) and then maybe with lunch and at bedtime. Once I do that for a day or two, I notice feeling much more in control of what I'm eating.

If you click on the title of this blog it will take you to an article which shares the benefits of cod liver oil.

It is expensive if you buy it at a health food store (around $40 a bottle). Some friends of mine and I go in together and purchase them in bulk online. Sometimes this brings it down to below $20 a bottle which includes shipping.

By the way, Rhonda...isn't it about time to order again?

Raw milk

Here is our morning fruit drink with goat milk kefir. You can see the kefir grain in the mason jar. I have just strained it out of the kefir and will now pour fresh milk onto it and begin the process of making kefir for tomorrow's fruit drink. Here I used pasteurized goat milk bought at the store, but usually get fresh raw goat's milk from a trusted source.

If you are interested in the story of raw milk, you will enjoy this article from The Washington Post. This author goes underground in search of the contraband milk. Or check out Organic Pastures website, they legally sell raw milk products and are based out of California.

Kefir

Have you ever heard of Kefir? Kefir, which means 'feel good" in Turkish, is an ancient cultured, enzyme-rich food filled with friendly micro-organisms that help balance your "inner ecosystem" to regain health and rebuild immunity. Kefir's tart and refreshing flavor is similar to a drinking-style yogurt, but it contains beneficial yeast as well as the friendly probiotic bacteria found in yogurt. When used regularly, the naturally occurring bacteria and yeast in kefir combine symbiotically to replenish our intestinal flora and boost our immunity.

On a more practical note, to me kefir is a mysterious globual of goop that turns milk or juice or water into a very healthy drink. When I first heard about it, I was less than excited to try it. But as I heard of it's benefits over time I was turned onto it. My friend's midwife told me she has experienced wonderful health benefits for herself and her family as a result of incorporating kefir into their lives. Her 2 year old daughter had severe ezcema and food allergies (sound familiar?). She reports that after 9 months on kefir, her skin is beautiful and no more allergies.
I have been making it with goat milk. We try to have a dairy free diet, and often people who can't tolerate cow's milk, can tolerate goat milk. It takes 24 hours give or take a day to make. Then I put it in our morning fruit drink. We have two different standbys chocolate and strawberry.

Chocolate Shake

• Frozen banana chunks (very important, gives it the thickness of a milkshake)
• Kefir
• Rice protein powder (Vanilla)
• Cocoa powder or carob powder
• Flax meal
• Stevia powder

Strawberry Shake is basically the same, minus the cocoa powder.

For an abundant amount of information all devoted to Kefir visit Dom's Kefir Webpage. I also enjoyed this article by Dr. Mercola.